Mahfarid Naemi Kayfan

Mahfarid Kayfan (August 14, 1943 – January 12, 2024) Mahfarid Kayfan, a devoted mother, proud Baha'i, compassionate community member, and a culinary artist, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024. Born in Yazd, Iran, in 1943, Mahfarid's roots were deeply embedded in the Baha'i Faith, a connection she cherished throughout her life. Mahfarid was the loving wife of Habib Kayfan, and together, they faced life's challenges with resilience and dedication. Tragically, Habib's life was cut short by an untimely murder on December 20, 1996, leaving a void that Mahfarid carried with grace and strength. A woman of diverse talents, Mahfarid and her husband owned restaurants in Alabama, contributing to the community and providing sustenance to hardworking laborers. From Birmingham to Montgomery, their culinary ventures were a testament to their commitment to service. In Birmingham, Alabama, Mahfarid and her husband, along with the local Birmingham Baha'i Community and many friends, undertook a remarkable initiative. They funded and founded the Birmingham Baha'i Center, a spiritual haven that became the religious center for the thriving Baha'i community. This center provided a sacred space for people to gather, worship, and strengthen their bonds of unity. At a significant personal sacrifice, Mahfarid and her husband donated substantial funds to enable the Baha'i Faith to purchase the Western Pilgrimage House in a residential portion of Mount Carmel, Israel. Their dedication to the Baha'i Faith extended beyond borders, contributing to the enrichment of the spiritual experience for pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. In Montgomery, Alabama, from 1984 to 1996, Mahfarid and Habib operated North Court Street Groceries, where Mahfarid's tireless efforts in preparing meals for breakfast customers became a hallmark of her dedication. Despite physical challenges, she would rise at 4:00 am, embodying the spirit of hard work and perseverance. Known for her culinary prowess, Mahfarid's home kitchen was a place of magic. She was an extraordinary chef, delighting those around her with sensational Persian dishes. Her menu included the aromatic Chelow Kabab and Koobideh, the flavorful Ghormeh Sabzi, the rich and sweet Fesenjan, and an exquisite Zereshk Polo (Barberry Rice) with Saffron Chicken. Mahfarid's culinary creations not only filled stomachs but also warmed hearts, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of savoring her dishes. Mahfarid, while humble about her English proficiency, communicated effectively and became an active member of her community. Beyond the restaurant, she channeled her creativity into engaging with many friends in the Baha’i community in Central Georgia, including Macon and Fort Valley, Georgia. Devoted to her Baha'i Faith, Mahfarid shared her love for the teachings with those who would listen. Her life was a testament to the principles of love, unity, and service advocated by the Baha'i community. Mahfarid is survived by her four children, Farshid Kayfan, Flora Kayfan, Gloria Kayfan, and Arash Kayfan, all of whom became physicians, a testament to her nurturing and supportive nature as a mother. Mahfarid is now reunited with her mother, her father, and her two brothers in the realms beyond. One of her brothers found his final rest in Brazil, surrounded by a thriving and loving family, all dedicated followers of the Baha'i Faith. Their devotion reflects the values Mahfarid held dear throughout her life. The second brother, an accomplished physician in Iran, became one of the 99 martyrs of Shiraz. His dedication to the Baha'i Faith led to his execution during the Islamic takeover of the Iranian government, a dark chapter that desecrated the homeland and the beautiful land of Persia. In tracing Mahfarid's lineage, we remember her mother, born in Azerbaijan as part of the thriving Baha'i community. The Baha'i House of Worship in Ishqabad, established in Azerbaijan, stands as a symbol of their faith. However, with the rise of communism, the Baha'i community faced persecution, and the House of Worship was secularized, transformed into an art gallery. The Soviet ban on religion led to the abandonment of the Baha'i administration, with properties being nationalized and believers facing imprisonment and oppression. In Ashgabat, on February 5, 1938, a tragic event unfolded as the Baha'i community, including Mahfarid's mother and father, endured mass arrests, searches, and confiscation of records. Most all Baha’i families were exiled and forced to emigrate back to Iran, illustrating the sacrifices made for their faith. As we mourn Mahfarid's passing, let us honor the enduring spirit of human resilience, engaged community, and ongoing dedication exemplified by Mahfarid being a Baha’i in Iran through the Revolution, by the founding of the Birmingham Baha'i Center, and by the raising of four productive adults who all came to become active, practicing physicians. And let us celebrate the rich tapestry of her life, remembering her as a dedicated wife, a loving mother, and a beacon of kindness in her community. Graveside services will be held 1030 am Sunday, January 14, 2024 at Rose Hill Burial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of MILLER FUNERAL HOME in Ashland. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mfhfuneralhome.com.

Mahfarid Naemi Kayfan

August 14, 1943 - January 12, 2024